Has anyone swapped out the z-bend linkages going from the servos to the swashplate? I'm interested in converting them to regular ball type linkages. If anyone has already done this could I get some part numbers from you??
Thanks
Ted

I'd be interested in this mod too.

Good call Strat.

Question - do both of the Strats on here actually play a Strat???

at last count, I think I have 7 of them... I don't play them as much as my Wolfgang or PC Jackson...

but they are very tastey for going out and playing an evening of the blues... [8D]

oh yeah, I tried this mod, but think I used too much duct tape I would like to try it..

All we need is some threded rods the same size as the stock linkages and then use the stock ends. Does anyone know what the thread size is?

Was doing some repairs earlier, took off the z-bend linkages, and tried to measure the thread pitch size. Helimax form-threaded the linkages with a "wood-screw" style thread, it's ugly and inconsistant (just like the paddle-bar threads).
I'm in the process of making some out of titanium 6AL-4V (courtesy of a customer who left 14' of 1/4" barstock behind). I'm a CNC service engineer for CITIZEN swiss-style screw machines, just need the time to program & set-up machine. The thread size will be 1.5x0.35mm so they'll work with the stock ball links. A few Ti main shafts may come out of the lot as well, as soon as I can get a OEM shaft to backwards engineer.

Shadow

Well I decided to try this mod on my own and it worked out pretty well. I immediately noticed an improvement in both stability and smoothness, but my servo arms were getting pretty worn.

The mod was straightforward, but I did make it a point to use the thicker servo arms on the HS-55's to reduce flex in the arm. The HS-55's should come with these arms so if you've already switched out to HS-55's that's one less thing or should I say three less things to buy. The only downside is the MX400 parts were a bit expensive.

Anyway here's a parts list:
1-[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXLBG0]Heli-Max Mixing Arm Rod MX400[/link]
1-[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXLBF8]Heli-Max Stabilizer Control Rod MX400[/link]
1-[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXLBP3]Heli-Max Ball MX400[/link]
1-[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXLBP8]Heli-Max Flat Head 2x7mm MX400[/link]
1-[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXLTT6]Heli-Max M2 Nut MX400 [/link]
3-[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXCRT4]Servo Horn Set HS-55[/link]

...and here's some pics.

Helico,

That looks sweet. I'm glad it's working out for you. I'll try to order up some parts over the weekend. I also need to order up some new batteries and a few other odds and ends. Thank you for the info.

MMatheny,
I've had my 1960s Stratocaster "Re-Issue" for 10 years now. I've been playing since 1983.

I hope all my posts and questions are helping.

Ted